Ricoh Releases Improved Theta S 360 Degree Spherical Camera

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - September 03, 2015) - B&H Photo would like to share the announcement of the Theta S Spherical Digital Camera, a significant upgrade for the 360° camera lineup, with two 12MP 1/2.3" sensors that create 14MP spherical photos with a single click, and can capture full HD 1080p video at up to 30 fps. The lightweight, compact camera also utilizes fast f/2.0 lenses with a twin-lens folded-optical system, to accept more light in low-light conditions. Manual control has also been improved, with the ability to take long exposures of up to one minute, allowing you to get more creative with unique images.

Ricoh Theta S Spherical Digital Camera Key Features

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1183083-REG/ricoh_910720_theta_s_spherical_digital.htm

• 360° Spherical Videos up to 25 minutes
• Live view function on mobile device
• Transfer videos directly to your mobile device without the need of a computer
• Live streaming available via USB or HDMI
• Manual control allows recording of long exposures of up to 1 minute
• Full HD Video at 30 fps
• Equipped with LED mode display
• Mode button to switch between photo & video
• 360° Spherical Video Supported by YouTube
• Equipped with bright F2.0 lens
• Improved image quality and 360° Spherical Panorama images

With enhanced built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, the Ricoh Theta S can be easily configured using the new Ricoh Theta S mobile app for smartphones and tablets. Transfer speeds have received a boost, with the ability to send images and videos to your smart device four times faster than with previous models. Besides the app, the physical design has been improved, with a rubber grip and an LED mode indicator. Additionally, internal storage has been doubled to 8GB, and it runs on an integrated rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

These spherical images can be uploaded to theta360.com and shared on many popular social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumbler and, thanks to an API based on the Google-supported Open Spherical Camera API, it is compatible with all of their services. Coinciding with the launch of the Ricoh Theta S, Google Maps today introduced the new Google Street View app that allows you to capture and publish your photo spheres instantly to Google Maps for people all over the world to explore. The app also offers the ability to shoot photo spheres and to connect to spherical cameras. This new capability to connect to spherical cameras makes it easier than ever to create Google Street View experiences.

Read all about the Ricoh Theta S Spherical digital camera here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1183083-REG/ricoh_910720_theta_s_spherical_digital.htm

Quotes from Ricoh Imaging and Google Maps

Wataru Ohtani, Ricoh’s Corporate Associate Vice President and General Manager of the New Business and Platform Development Center, said: “Ricoh pioneered the spherical camera market and thereby revolutionized how people view the world. This new model offers even higher image quality than before to satisfy both early adopters and people who enjoy communicating creatively through social media.”

Noboru Akahane, Ricoh Imaging’s President and CEO, said: “We are delighted to offer users increased value and richer 360-degree experiences with our new RICOH THETA S. The model’s enhanced image quality and other exciting new features are sure to expand the scope of RICOH THETA fans in all-new fields.”

Charles Armstrong, Google Maps Product Manager, said: “The Street View app allows people all over the world to explore user contributions, Google’s own imagery, and their own published photo spheres through a seamless world map of landscapes, landmarks, business interiors and more. The RICOH THETA S is a great tool to create this imagery, and we hope it inspires people to contribute to the map.”

The Ricoh Theta S digital camera is similar form to previous models enables compatibility with many existing accessories, including the clear TH-1 Hard Case, the TS-1 Soft Case -- available in white or black -- and the Strap Attachment, available in silver, blue, orange, green, and gray.

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